History of Young Dolph in Timeline
"Young Dolph", born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was an American rapper known for his unique style and gritty lyrics. Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, he rose to fame with his 2015 guest appearance on O.T. Genasis' hit "Cut It." He released his debut album "King of Memphis" in 2016, reaching number 49 on the Billboard 200. His 2020 album "Rich Slave" peaked at number four, solidifying his place in the music industry.
July 27, 1985: Birth of Young Dolph
Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., better known by his stage name Young Dolph, was born on July 27, 1985, in Memphis, Tennessee. This marked the beginning of the life of a future influential rapper.
March 5, 2008: Death of Young Dolph's Grandmother
On March 5, 2008, Young Dolph's grandmother passed away after a prolonged battle with lung cancer. Her death had a profound impact on him and his outlook on life.
2008: First Mixtape 'Paper Route Campaign'
In 2008, encouraged by friends, Young Dolph released his first mixtape 'Paper Route Campaign'. Its local popularity motivated him to fully invest in his rap career.
2010: Foundation of Paper Route Empire
In 2010, Young Dolph founded the independent record label Paper Route Empire. This move allowed him to sign other artists, including his cousin Key Glock, setting the stage for significant future collaborations.
2010: Release of 'Welcome 2 Dolph World'
In 2010, Young Dolph released 'Welcome 2 Dolph World'. This mixtape marked his first mainstream project and featured prominent artists like 8Ball & MJG and 2 Chainz.
2011: Release of High Class Street Music Series
In 2011, Young Dolph released the mixtapes 'High Class Street Music' and 'High Class Street Music 2'. These mixtapes helped him develop his own unique rap style.
2012: Release of 'A Time 2 Kill' and 'Blue Magic'
Young Dolph released the mixtapes 'A Time 2 Kill' and 'Blue Magic' on April 12 and November 14, 2012, respectively. The titles were inspired by popular movies, further showcasing his creative inspirations.
March 15, 2013: Release of 'EastAtlantaMemphis'
On March 15, 2013, Young Dolph released the collaboration mixtape 'EastAtlantaMemphis' with features from Young Scooter and Big Bank Black. This mixtape showcased his ability to collaborate with other prominent artists.
May 13, 2013: Release of 'Trappin' Out a Mansion'
Young Dolph released 'Trappin' Out a Mansion', the third installment of the High Class Street Music series, on May 13, 2013. This mixtape further established his presence in the rap scene.
October 15, 2013: Release of 'South Memphis Kingpin'
On October 15, 2013, Young Dolph released 'South Memphis Kingpin'. The song 'South Memphis' from this mixtape achieved high popularity, showcasing his growing influence.
April 15, 2014: Release of 'Cross Country Trappin'
Young Dolph released 'Cross Country Trappin' on April 15, 2014. This mixtape continued to build his reputation in the rap industry.
July 8, 2014: Release of 'American Gangster'
On July 8, 2014, Young Dolph released 'American Gangster', the fourth installment of the High Class Street Music series. The mixtape included the hit song 'Preach', which gained nationwide fame.
February 24, 2015: Release of 'The Plug Best Friend'
On February 24, 2015, Young Dolph released the fifth and final installment of the High Class Street Music series, 'The Plug Best Friend'. The mixtape featured notable artists like 2 Chainz and Shy Glizzy.
July 28, 2015: Release of '16 Zips'
Young Dolph released the mixtape '16 Zips' on July 28, 2015. The project featured artists such as T.I., Slim Thug, and Paul Wall.
September 2015: Feature on 'Cut It'
In September 2015, Young Dolph was featured on O.T. Genasis's hit single 'Cut It'. The track went double platinum, marking a significant achievement in his career.
October 8, 2015: Release of 'Shittin on the Industry'
On October 8, 2015, Young Dolph released the mixtape 'Shittin on the Industry'. The 11-song project included the hit single 'Get Paid'.
2015: Justin Johnson's Criminal History
In 2015, Justin Johnson, one of the suspects in Young Dolph's murder, was convicted of aggravated rape.
2015: Mainstream Attention with 'Cut It'
In 2015, Young Dolph garnered mainstream attention for his guest appearance on O.T. Genasis' single 'Cut It'. The track peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100, marking a significant milestone in his career.
February 2016: Release of 'King of Memphis'
In February 2016, Young Dolph released his debut album 'King of Memphis' under his independent label Paper Route Empire. The album peaked at number 49 on the Billboard 200 and sparked controversy with other Memphis rappers.
2016: Debut Studio Album 'King of Memphis'
Young Dolph released his debut studio album 'King of Memphis' in 2016. The album peaked at number 49 on the Billboard 200, establishing him as a notable force in the rap industry.
February 2017: Release of 'Play Wit Yo' Bitch' and Shooting Incident
In February 2017, Young Dolph released the diss track 'Play Wit Yo' Bitch' against Yo Gotti, followed by a music video two weeks later. The next day, his vehicle was targeted in a shooting incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, but he was unharmed due to the car's bulletproof panels.
September 2017: Shooting Incident
In September 2017, Young Dolph was shot multiple times. This incident further highlighted the dangers he faced in his career and inspired the release of his second studio album 'Bulletproof'.
September 26, 2017: Shooting in Los Angeles
Young Dolph was shot and critically injured outside a store in Hollywood, Los Angeles on September 26, 2017. He survived the incident after spending two weeks in recovery.
2017: Signing of Key Glock
In 2017, Young Dolph signed his cousin-by-marriage and fellow Memphis rapper Key Glock to his Paper Route Empire label. This partnership led to significant collaborations between the two artists.
2017: Discovery of Family Relation with Juice WRLD
In 2017, Young Dolph discovered that he was distantly related to the late rapper Juice WRLD.
February 2018: Release of 'Niggas Get Shot Everyday'
In February 2018, Young Dolph released the extended play 'Niggas Get Shot Everyday', referencing his prior shooting incident. This release demonstrated his resilience and ability to turn adversity into art.
September 2018: Release of 'Role Model'
Young Dolph's album 'Role Model' was released in September 2018 under Paper Route Empire and Empire Distribution. This album further solidified his position in the rap industry.
2018: Release of 'Major' and Turned Down Label Deal
In 2018, Young Dolph and Key Glock released the single 'Major', which peaked at number 47 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. That same year, Dolph turned down a $22 million label deal, choosing to remain independent.
July 2019: Release of 'Dum and Dummer'
In July 2019, Young Dolph and Key Glock released their first collaborative album 'Dum and Dummer', inspired by the Farrelly brothers' film 'Dumb and Dumber'.
May 2020: GQ Interview
In May 2020, Young Dolph discussed his recent music releases in an interview with GQ. He mentioned that he had been focusing on promoting his artists' projects and felt the need to release new music for his fans.
August 14, 2020: Rich Slave Release
On August 14, 2020, Young Dolph released his seventh studio album, "Rich Slave." The album was significant as it became his highest-charting project, peaking at number four on the Billboard 200 chart.
2020: Increased Time in Memphis & Philanthropy
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Young Dolph chose to spend more time with his family in Memphis. He became known for his acts of philanthropy in the area, including donating to his former high school and organizing Thanksgiving meal giveaways.
2020: Consideration of Retirement and Release of 'Sunshine'
In 2020, rumors spread that Young Dolph was considering retirement to spend more time with his children. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he released the single 'Sunshine' and updated album covers to feature masks, addressing the global situation.
2020: Release of 'Rich Slave'
Young Dolph released his fifth album 'Rich Slave' in 2020. The album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200, marking one of his highest charting projects.
March 5, 2021: Aspen Release
On March 5, 2021, Young Dolph and Key Glock teamed up to release the single "Aspen."
March 26, 2021: Dum and Dummer 2 Release
On March 26, 2021, Young Dolph and Key Glock released "Dum and Dummer 2," a collaborative album and the sequel to their 2019 project "Dum and Dummer."
November 17, 2021: Death of Young Dolph
Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., passed away on November 17, 2021. His death marked the end of an era for Memphis rap and left a significant impact on the music community.
November 30, 2021: Young Dolph's Funeral
Young Dolph's funeral took place on November 30, 2021, at First Baptist Church Broad Street in Memphis. He was laid to rest in a cemetery near his alma mater, Hamilton High School.
January 5, 2022: Suspect Identified in Young Dolph Murder
On January 5, 2022, law enforcement identified Justin Johnson as a suspect in the murder of Young Dolph and issued a warrant for his arrest on first-degree murder charges.
January 10, 2022: Long Live Young Dolph Announced
On January 10, 2022, a tribute album titled "Long Live Young Dolph" was announced.
January 21, 2022: Long Live Young Dolph Released
The posthumous tribute album "Long Live Young Dolph" was released on January 21, 2022. The album featured artists from Young Dolph's label, Paper Route Empire.
February 2022: Proposed "Adolph Thornton Day of Service"
In February 2022, lawmakers in Tennessee proposed a bill to establish November 17th, the date of Young Dolph's death, as "Adolph Thornton Day of Service" to honor his contributions to the community.
November 10, 2022: Third Suspect Indicted
On November 10, 2022, a third suspect, Hernandez Govan, was indicted in connection with the murder of Young Dolph. Govan is alleged to have ordered the killing.
December 16, 2022: Paper Route Frank Release
Young Dolph's posthumous album, "Paper Route Frank," was released on December 16, 2022.
June 2023: Jemarcus Johnson Plea Deal
In June 2023, Jemarcus Johnson, one of the suspects in the Young Dolph case, accepted a plea deal. He pleaded guilty to three counts of accessory after the fact, and in exchange, the conspiracy to commit murder charge against him was dropped.
June 2024: Trial Date Set
As of June 2024, the trial for Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith in the Young Dolph murder case is set for September 2024.
September 2024: Trial Scheduled
The trial for Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith in relation to the death of Young Dolph is scheduled for September 2024.
2024: Projected Trial Date
The trial for those accused of murdering Young Dolph is expected to begin in 2024.